Powerful designs shape culture by changing ways of life. As Hong Kong aspires to become an artistic hub, local designers and officials can learn from other places that have been able to infuse art into the everyday lives of their people and create new cultural concepts in society through thoughtful designs.
'For the third year, the Business of Design Week is offering a full track at the conference to address different aspects of 'culture and the city' in relevance to the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD),' says William To, project director of event organiser Hong Kong Design Centre.
Among the panellists are cultural experts Ole Scheeren, Wu Ching-yu, Jurgen Mayer, Louisa Hutton, John Higson, Bjarke Ingels and Shigeru Ban.
'They have produced extraordinary designs and will share their expertise and insights into developing a successful artistic hub with us,' says To.
'By learning from the best and understanding our needs, and leaving it to the hired experts at the West Kowloon Cultural District to make the best decisions for us, we hope [the WKCD] Project will blossom ... and play an important role in the cultural and economic growth of our city.'
Mayer is the creator of the Metropol Parasol, the world's largest wooden structure in the old quarter of Seville, Spain.
To says the Metropol Parasol is much more than a showcase of superb engineering design, and has helped Seville build a reputation as a modern city of culture and taste, as evident from the growth of tourism.